Surprise! We took a trip up to Northern Indiana to visit Joe's family. We wished we could have stayed longer. Lucian had a really good time and was active nonstop the entire time we were up there. The first day was spent with Joe's grandparents, Lucian's great grandparents. He played with their dog, goat, and a little with the piggie. I think he really liked the goat. I can't blame him the goat was pretty cool. We also roamed through their garden, which is pretty big. It makes our potted plants seem minuscule. Some day we will have a big garden with, hopefully, less mosquitoes floating around. They were lethal.
The second day, the fourth of July, was spent with Joe's Dad and family. Lucian had a great time playing with the kids. He has a lot more independence too, which he rather enjoyed. I don't think he wanted to leave and would have been more than happy to return the next day. He played ball, ran around, attempted video consoles, went to the park, and attempted the pool that was really cold. It was a beautiful day. Though we didn't partake in fireworks, we still were able to grill. Lucian was exhausted by the end of the day.
The last day was spent with Nana (Joe's Mom) and Papa. We took Lucian to the park with Nana in the morning. There weren't a lot of kids there but he still had fun. Then we went over to the zoo. I thought it was a cute little zoo. It wasn't very big but it still had some unique animals and a petting zoo. Lucian was able to brush a goat. I think he likes goats? After that, we picked up Papa and went golfing - mini golfing! Of course, that is one of Lucian's favorite pastimes, so he naturally enjoyed it. He picked out a golf ball color for each one of us. He even remembers who had which color ball. As per tradition, we ended mini golf with some ice cream and score tallying. Lucian won. He was a tough competitor. He even decided to try out the driving range with the boys. I think he did pretty good considering how much bigger the club was. After all that fun I thought he would be tired but he wasn't. Joe and I left him with his grandparents for a bit so we could have some down time. He was still awake when we returned! He had so much fun that he requested to spend the night at their house. So we did.
It was a great little vacation. We all had a wonderful time and it was really nice to visit with family. It would have been nice to stay longer, but we will take what we can get for now. Until the next adventure!
7.10.2014
6.08.2014
What we are up to as of June
I have officially updated the picture section. You are welcome. They go up until today when I took the fishing pictures. We didn't go actual fishing (yet). He was just out fishing in the pool. We stuck a bobbin that he picked out onto the line of the rod and let him have at it. Apparently he picked up the concept very quickly. And, of course, I was able to take some pictures of his awesomeness. What can I say, I love the kid.
As for updates on Lucian. He has been going to gymnastics and dance since the new year began. He continues to go to gymnastics every week and loves it. As for dance, he was originally taking creative movement class up until summer sessions. They ended with a recital, which Lucian rocked in. He is a natural dancer. I'm not sure he gets that from Joe :-) Since, then we decided to try a different class, which he seems to love. Why wouldn't he? He gets to make a lot of noise. Needless to say, I bought him his first (and second) pair of tap shoes today. Move over Shirley Temple, here comes the next child tap star. I can't wait to see all his cool moves; I really hope there is another showcase. We did get the first one on video. I'm not sure I will be able to upload it, I had some trouble in the past getting videos up. Maybe I will try again. As for now, I think I am going to join the boys and the bubble machine.
Current height: 37"
Current weight: unsure but it's hard to hold him for long periods of time
Current likes: water, bubbles, stickers, balls, painting
Current activities: gymnastics, dance, wonderlab, pool, park, going out of town for new discoveries
Current dislikes: listening, clothes, and eating anything he previously liked ;-)
As for updates on Lucian. He has been going to gymnastics and dance since the new year began. He continues to go to gymnastics every week and loves it. As for dance, he was originally taking creative movement class up until summer sessions. They ended with a recital, which Lucian rocked in. He is a natural dancer. I'm not sure he gets that from Joe :-) Since, then we decided to try a different class, which he seems to love. Why wouldn't he? He gets to make a lot of noise. Needless to say, I bought him his first (and second) pair of tap shoes today. Move over Shirley Temple, here comes the next child tap star. I can't wait to see all his cool moves; I really hope there is another showcase. We did get the first one on video. I'm not sure I will be able to upload it, I had some trouble in the past getting videos up. Maybe I will try again. As for now, I think I am going to join the boys and the bubble machine.
Current height: 37"
Current weight: unsure but it's hard to hold him for long periods of time
Current likes: water, bubbles, stickers, balls, painting
Current activities: gymnastics, dance, wonderlab, pool, park, going out of town for new discoveries
Current dislikes: listening, clothes, and eating anything he previously liked ;-)
6.04.2014
Adventures In Greenwood
So Joe and I decided to try and make this summer especially fun and busy for Lucian. The harsh winter made us all a little sick of doing the same stuff all the time. As you can see we've been traveling up to Indy quite a bit to experience new things. This time we decided to go to Greenwood, which is right outside of Indy but closer to home for us. This time Joe had the pleasure of planning our trip. We ended up going to a family fun center. They had mini golf, bumper boats, go karts, arcades, and mini bowling. It was a beautiful day out ( a bit too bright). We got Lucian a wristband for an hour so he could pick from the bigger activities. Of course, he went straight toward the mini golf. We ended up playing both courses, well Lucian's speedier version I should say. He's getting really good and his shots are more accurate. Then we played some mini bowling. It's considered mini due to the small lanes and the small balls that are used. He seemed to really enjoy himself. We tried to convince him to try the go karts, but I think they are still a bit too scary for him. I'm sure that will change some day, but who knows!
Then we played arcades for a good hour or so. They had a few games that we don't have at our local play place. It was nice to let him try out new games. We wanted to play the water spraying game but it was broke. I thought it would be a good match. We has a good amount of tickets and Lucian picked out a ball and some slap bracelets. Not the greatest prizes, but it could have been worse. Lucian ended our adventure there with a nice cone of rainbow "superman" ice cream. I thought it was gross, but he devoured it (with a spoon).
Later we drove back to the field we played on after our last Indy trip. This time it was more of a mission. Last time our frisbee disc ended up stuck in a tree and we couldn't retrieve it. This time we were more prepared. Lucian and I played in the field and blew bubbles while Joe worked on getting the frisbee, which was still there, back down. He was successful, after some climbing and branch cutting. I think we learned a valuable lesson about throwing it in the direction of trees. At least we got it back! We ended the day with juice boxes and ice cream! Mostly ice cream to take home. We pick out a few quarts every time to try new flavors. We were all pooped. It was a blast.
Then we played arcades for a good hour or so. They had a few games that we don't have at our local play place. It was nice to let him try out new games. We wanted to play the water spraying game but it was broke. I thought it would be a good match. We has a good amount of tickets and Lucian picked out a ball and some slap bracelets. Not the greatest prizes, but it could have been worse. Lucian ended our adventure there with a nice cone of rainbow "superman" ice cream. I thought it was gross, but he devoured it (with a spoon).
Later we drove back to the field we played on after our last Indy trip. This time it was more of a mission. Last time our frisbee disc ended up stuck in a tree and we couldn't retrieve it. This time we were more prepared. Lucian and I played in the field and blew bubbles while Joe worked on getting the frisbee, which was still there, back down. He was successful, after some climbing and branch cutting. I think we learned a valuable lesson about throwing it in the direction of trees. At least we got it back! We ended the day with juice boxes and ice cream! Mostly ice cream to take home. We pick out a few quarts every time to try new flavors. We were all pooped. It was a blast.
5.23.2014
We've Got Rhythm!
After a lovely visit with Nana and Papa, we took a trip up to Indy to the Rhythm Discovery Center. We are trying to have a good and relaxing summer this year with lots of activities. It all started over the weekend with special visitors. Joe's parents came down here as a midpoint to St. Louis. We were able to spend a lot of time together, play, and venture around town. This was a very significant visit for Lucian, as it was his first time meeting them in person. You see, they have been living in Germany for the past several years since Lucian was born and were unable to meet him in person. They did, however, talk frequently over the phone and via skype. This was the first time face to face where they could actually interact and touch in person. It was a lot of fun for everyone. I'm really glad that they met and had a great time. We look forward to the next visit.
As for rhythm discovery center, that was so much fun. It is an interactive museum full of percussion instruments. There was almost no one there when we went, so we could play anything without waiting. It was fun to interact with everything. They had all different types of drums, shakers, gongs, bells, xylophones and some unique instruments, like the steel pan. Then there were different mallets you could choose from to make different sounds and effects. The museum displays were interspersed with these interactive instruments to keep people from touching the displays. The displays were interesting and educational. They talked about famous musicians and their specially designed instruments, how different cultures make and use certain instruments, and how certain instruments , such as the drum set, came to be. I didn't get to read all the information but it was fairly interesting. This was a good place to go for a few hours to learn about instruments and experiment with the sounds they make. I would certainly consider going back in the future. Can't wait to see where we will end up next!
As for rhythm discovery center, that was so much fun. It is an interactive museum full of percussion instruments. There was almost no one there when we went, so we could play anything without waiting. It was fun to interact with everything. They had all different types of drums, shakers, gongs, bells, xylophones and some unique instruments, like the steel pan. Then there were different mallets you could choose from to make different sounds and effects. The museum displays were interspersed with these interactive instruments to keep people from touching the displays. The displays were interesting and educational. They talked about famous musicians and their specially designed instruments, how different cultures make and use certain instruments, and how certain instruments , such as the drum set, came to be. I didn't get to read all the information but it was fairly interesting. This was a good place to go for a few hours to learn about instruments and experiment with the sounds they make. I would certainly consider going back in the future. Can't wait to see where we will end up next!
5.08.2014
Indy Zoo and Ice Cream
So we went to the zoo! On Saturday April 26th we scheduled a visit to the zoo. This was Lucian's first zoo experience (though we went to the aquarium previously in Seattle with his grandparents). It was a wonderfully hot day and Lucian broke his fever the day before from being sick. We debated on going, since it was so warm out, and ended up deciding to go. It was a good choice because we had a blast! Lucian did great, even in the sun, and was allowed to have as much ice cream as he desired. We didn't make it through the entire zoo because we were all getting tired of the sun and Lucian was still dragging from being sick. They do have a splash pad for the kids to play in which was nice in the heat. They also have little playground areas. It wasn't a very big zoo and some exhibits only had 1 or 2 animals. I can't say I was overly impressed because instead of building a roller coaster ride they could update and expand some of the habitats. The dog show was pretty neat and provided a nice mid day shade break. We did not go to any feedings or the dolphin show due to the crowd. We did end up having a good time, eating lots of ice cream, and taking a good amount of pictures. We even walked through the gardens next door to see the butterfly exhibit. Lucian was pretty excited about the butterflies and flowers. In the end: zoo = success.
On the way home we stopped out in Greenwood and visited their mall where he played with a group of kids. We also stopped at toys'r'us since we don't have one in Bloomington. He showed a very strong interest in the powerwheel type vehicles. He specifically liked the red mini, which was surprising. Totally thought he'd go for the jeep. Future birthday present. *hint hint* We ended the day by stopping at Ritters for some quarts of custard to bring home. Joe picked those out of course. We were all exhausted after a wonderful family day. I look forward to having more of those this summer. It really makes you realize how much you miss with school and work. I'm glad we have the opportunity to work and go back to school, but I'm even more grateful for the moments we have together as a family doing "normal" family things. We may not be a typical family, but I'm proud of what we have become and where we will go from here.
On the way home we stopped out in Greenwood and visited their mall where he played with a group of kids. We also stopped at toys'r'us since we don't have one in Bloomington. He showed a very strong interest in the powerwheel type vehicles. He specifically liked the red mini, which was surprising. Totally thought he'd go for the jeep. Future birthday present. *hint hint* We ended the day by stopping at Ritters for some quarts of custard to bring home. Joe picked those out of course. We were all exhausted after a wonderful family day. I look forward to having more of those this summer. It really makes you realize how much you miss with school and work. I'm glad we have the opportunity to work and go back to school, but I'm even more grateful for the moments we have together as a family doing "normal" family things. We may not be a typical family, but I'm proud of what we have become and where we will go from here.
4.24.2014
Easter 2014
This Easter certainly seemed like a success to me. Though we didn't formally go to any Easter egg hunts locally, we still managed to do one at home. Joe's birthday was also kind of successful, I suppose. I guess it's best to start from the quasi-beginning. At the beginning of every April, I go online and search the potential times and locations of local egg hunts. I write them all down so we can look and choose which would be possible to attend. If played right many can be attended with lots of fun had. We had an ok list and I really only planned on going to one of them. But after discussing the contents of the filled eggs, we decided it best just to pass. They don't tend to keep age into consideration around here. Instead we celebrated daddy's birthday. Or tried our best to.
We were going to go to Korean BBQ to check it out and see if they actually had it, but our plans ended up changing for the better. We were able to have dinner with an old friend who was in town for the day. We went to a buffet style Mongolian BBQ place instead, which was fine. Lucian likes the place. He was just having a rough day. Our friend even surprised us by paying for dinner! In the end it was nice to catch up and have a good time. We hope to see them soon in summertime.
Now back to Easter...
I planned ahead and bought some all natural egg dye from Earth Paint. I won some of their regular paint in a giveaway and Lucian really liked it. They come in powdered form so you can scoop and mix in as much powder as needed or even mix colors. Lucian helped dump the powders into each cup and mix them. Then we pulled out the eggs (which I cooked the day before), and got the boys started. I had to get ready for work while they dyed the eggs, but was able to see the results before leaving. They turned out great and Lucian seemed to really enjoy coloring and dying them. We had a lot of dye left so Joe decided to get more eggs. He said Lucian was very patient during the cooking and cooling process. He also waited after dying the eggs to paint them (with his poster paint). As you all probably know, he loves to paint. So coloring, dying and painting was an all day extravaganza for this kid. They had fun and that's what matters. I did build up the idea for a few days beforehand so he knew we'd be making eggs pretty colors. When Easter came (daddy had to do school work), Lucian and I looked at our pretty eggs. Then I told him I was going to hid them, so he helped me. Then I told him we had to find them and collect them as an egg hunt. He seemed to enjoy this as well. First he collected them in his butterfly net, then he set them on bubble wrap and carried them. I was cute and no worrying over breakage. After we found them all, I wanted to see if he'd be upset about cracking them open. He can be very sensitive about certain things. Completely the opposite! He loved the idea of cracking and peeling the eggs. Though I ended up eating most of the egg, Lucian did enjoy eating some yolks. I gave him a salt shaker and he was happy as can be. I had to stop him after the 5th or 6th egg. I was full at that point. But promised we could do more later, and we certainly did. In fact, I'm still eating Easter eggs.
We did get him a few toys, but we didn't do a formal basket or anything. He also got a special box from his Gram and Poppy. They even got to watch him open his stuff over video. I'd have to say that Zingo has been surprisingly accepted. He has already played it a few times, without me bringing the idea up. He also really enjoyed the carob bunny. He couldn't finish it, there was a tiny piece left. He certainly tried his best and enjoyed his candy and toys.
Speaking of toys, we have been making homemade bean bags. I pulled out and set up the sewing machine. We went to the store and let Lucian pick out his own designs. We have made a few already and they have turned out very well. Lucian has gotten a lot of enjoyment from them as well. More successful than our homemade juggling scarves! Can't wait to make more things!
I guess I should go and help Lucian cut paper into really small pieces! Come back in a few days and check out my post about the zoo. We will be going for the first time on Saturday! We've been to the aquarium when he was younger in Seattle, but never the zoo. The Indy zoo apparently has an aquarium too. I'm looking forward to it. I don't think Lucian understands what it is, even though we've talked about it, read books, etc. I better get my camera ready!
We were going to go to Korean BBQ to check it out and see if they actually had it, but our plans ended up changing for the better. We were able to have dinner with an old friend who was in town for the day. We went to a buffet style Mongolian BBQ place instead, which was fine. Lucian likes the place. He was just having a rough day. Our friend even surprised us by paying for dinner! In the end it was nice to catch up and have a good time. We hope to see them soon in summertime.
Now back to Easter...
I planned ahead and bought some all natural egg dye from Earth Paint. I won some of their regular paint in a giveaway and Lucian really liked it. They come in powdered form so you can scoop and mix in as much powder as needed or even mix colors. Lucian helped dump the powders into each cup and mix them. Then we pulled out the eggs (which I cooked the day before), and got the boys started. I had to get ready for work while they dyed the eggs, but was able to see the results before leaving. They turned out great and Lucian seemed to really enjoy coloring and dying them. We had a lot of dye left so Joe decided to get more eggs. He said Lucian was very patient during the cooking and cooling process. He also waited after dying the eggs to paint them (with his poster paint). As you all probably know, he loves to paint. So coloring, dying and painting was an all day extravaganza for this kid. They had fun and that's what matters. I did build up the idea for a few days beforehand so he knew we'd be making eggs pretty colors. When Easter came (daddy had to do school work), Lucian and I looked at our pretty eggs. Then I told him I was going to hid them, so he helped me. Then I told him we had to find them and collect them as an egg hunt. He seemed to enjoy this as well. First he collected them in his butterfly net, then he set them on bubble wrap and carried them. I was cute and no worrying over breakage. After we found them all, I wanted to see if he'd be upset about cracking them open. He can be very sensitive about certain things. Completely the opposite! He loved the idea of cracking and peeling the eggs. Though I ended up eating most of the egg, Lucian did enjoy eating some yolks. I gave him a salt shaker and he was happy as can be. I had to stop him after the 5th or 6th egg. I was full at that point. But promised we could do more later, and we certainly did. In fact, I'm still eating Easter eggs.
We did get him a few toys, but we didn't do a formal basket or anything. He also got a special box from his Gram and Poppy. They even got to watch him open his stuff over video. I'd have to say that Zingo has been surprisingly accepted. He has already played it a few times, without me bringing the idea up. He also really enjoyed the carob bunny. He couldn't finish it, there was a tiny piece left. He certainly tried his best and enjoyed his candy and toys.
Speaking of toys, we have been making homemade bean bags. I pulled out and set up the sewing machine. We went to the store and let Lucian pick out his own designs. We have made a few already and they have turned out very well. Lucian has gotten a lot of enjoyment from them as well. More successful than our homemade juggling scarves! Can't wait to make more things!
I guess I should go and help Lucian cut paper into really small pieces! Come back in a few days and check out my post about the zoo. We will be going for the first time on Saturday! We've been to the aquarium when he was younger in Seattle, but never the zoo. The Indy zoo apparently has an aquarium too. I'm looking forward to it. I don't think Lucian understands what it is, even though we've talked about it, read books, etc. I better get my camera ready!
1.08.2014
Tis Freezing!
We officially survived the cold, below freezing weather. It has been too cold to go out and actually enjoy the snow, but we've been making the best of it. Maybe we will even get to build a snowman this winter. Lucian has gone sledding a few times. We have also made some ice chunk piles and snowballs. Hopefully there will be more fun to come.
What you may not know is we have adopted two kittens. Originally we adopted a little black kitten who Lucian was completely attached to. Every time we visited the shelter, Lucian would spend a lot of time just sitting with this kitten. We ended up adopting him on the spot one day when he was almost adopted by someone else; Lucian was crying when they took him away. That's when we knew we needed to make a decision. Needless to say, we ended up with a cat who Lucian named Hao. He's a very special kitty who experienced some head trauma when he was really little. He has approved a lot, but has a very large amount of energy. We decided we needed another cat for him to play with to release some of his energy and have a friend. After a failed connection, we decided to take Hao into the shelter to see his reaction to a few cats we thought would make a good match. That's how we ended up with Burnie, our hyperactive orange tiger. We originally named him Sarge, but we decided Burnie was a better fit. So now we have two hyperactive kittens!
As for Lucian, he has been ecstatic about our new additions. He loves to play and torture the kittens. He is also very emotionally attached to them. I think it has been great for him, especially being stuck in the house due to weather. Lucian continues to grow, though I try to make him stop sometimes (never works). He speaks more and more every day and tries to sing songs. He is becoming more proficient with numbers and letters. He has been able to write a few letters for awhile now. We have been working on his name as well. Looks like he will be right handed, but the jury is still out. Every day he amazes me.
What you may not know is we have adopted two kittens. Originally we adopted a little black kitten who Lucian was completely attached to. Every time we visited the shelter, Lucian would spend a lot of time just sitting with this kitten. We ended up adopting him on the spot one day when he was almost adopted by someone else; Lucian was crying when they took him away. That's when we knew we needed to make a decision. Needless to say, we ended up with a cat who Lucian named Hao. He's a very special kitty who experienced some head trauma when he was really little. He has approved a lot, but has a very large amount of energy. We decided we needed another cat for him to play with to release some of his energy and have a friend. After a failed connection, we decided to take Hao into the shelter to see his reaction to a few cats we thought would make a good match. That's how we ended up with Burnie, our hyperactive orange tiger. We originally named him Sarge, but we decided Burnie was a better fit. So now we have two hyperactive kittens!
As for Lucian, he has been ecstatic about our new additions. He loves to play and torture the kittens. He is also very emotionally attached to them. I think it has been great for him, especially being stuck in the house due to weather. Lucian continues to grow, though I try to make him stop sometimes (never works). He speaks more and more every day and tries to sing songs. He is becoming more proficient with numbers and letters. He has been able to write a few letters for awhile now. We have been working on his name as well. Looks like he will be right handed, but the jury is still out. Every day he amazes me.
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